Majestic and largely undiscovered Applecross mountain with fine views to the islands and peaks of Torridon. Beinn Bhan has dramatic fluted corries on its eastern flanks which look fantastic from the easy walk along the plateau edge giving this route the drama of the Torridon mountains without the exposure or need for scrambling. The steep descent on the circular route can be avoided by returning from the summit by the outward route.
Summary
There is no path for most of the moorland route but the going is reasonably straightforward. The descent from the plateau is on very steep grass, followed by a moorland trudge down to the stalkers' track and finally a minor road towards the end of the walk.
Terrain
NG836423
Grid ref
14km/8.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Safety warning: Hillwalking when there is snow or ice lying requires ice-axe, crampons and the ability to use them. Some featured routes can become technical ice climbs. Check out our Winter Skills information provided by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
Layby just before the bridge over the River Kishorn just after the Applecross turn off from the A896.
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
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Public transport
1. There is a parking area on the left side of the road just before the bridge soon after the Applecross turn off from the A896. Cross the bridge and stay on the road as it turns to the left and begins to climb gently. The remains of the dry dock and pier from the once booming Kishorn oil rig industry can be seen below to the left. Soon after rounding the bend, pylons cross the road at its highest point. Leave the road here and head right in a northerly direction up the heathery ridge of Beinn Bhan. There is much outcropping rock but this is easily avoided. The ridge climbs fairly steeply with no clear path until much later when routes converge to form a faint path.
2. To the left you can look down on Loch Coire nan Arr and the impressive flanks of Sgurr a' Chaorachain and the Cioch Nose opposite which hides the ultimate driving test of the Bealach na Ba behind it. The route continues climbing steeply until gentler ground is reached above Coire Each. The most impressive route is to stay near the cliffs on the right hand side although great care is needed in low visibility. Continue along the ridge and after reaching a domed summit there are impressive views to the right down into the corries and across to Torridon.
3. The ridge descends slightly and then steepens and narrows for a section before the summit plateau and then the summit shelter and trig point are reached. Here there is a wide view west over the sea to Raasay, Skye, Rum and on a clear day the Outer Hebrides, as well as over Torridon to the east.
4. Continue north along the plateau with amazingly dramatic views down into Coire na Poite with its two lochans. The two arms enclosing Coire na Poite require either very hard scrambling (the A'Chioch ridge seen on the right from here) or severe rock-climbing (the A'Phoit ridge on the left) to link to the plateau - both are well beyond the scope of Walkhighlands. When you reach a point (NG800459) about two-thirds of the way round the rim of the less dramatic Coir an Fhamhair it is possible to directly descend the very steep grass slope to the corrie floor. There are traces of a faint zig zag sheep path which can used in places, whilst ensuring you keep to the grassy section. Keep descending to the coire floor and then head for the left hand side of Lochan Coire na Poite which has a sandy easterly shore.
5. Skirt around the left side of the Lochan and follow the Allt Coire na Poite as it heads downhill towards a good stalker's path. A couple of good waterfalls are passed on the way down. When you reach the path turn right and continue on this well constructed path until you reach the road at Drochaid Mhor. The Rassal Ashwood - a National Nature Reserve near the northern limit for ash trees – can be seen on the opposite side of the River Kishorn. Once at the road, cross the bridge to return to the parking place.
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